avalanche

AVALANCHE AWARENESS & LEVEL I/RAC AVALANCHE COURSE CURRICULUM*

(The Avalanche Awareness and Level I/RAC Courses share the same lecture programs, text and initial field trip)

LECTURE SESSION ONE

Introductory presentation, key definitions and philosophy
Planning, traveling and decision making in avalanche terrain
Meteorology, key factors, some important local factors
The effects of weather on the snowpack
Types of avalanches, avalanche characteristics, and dangers

LECTURE SESSION TWO

Quiz review (verbal)
Terrain features, avalanche paths and nomenclature
Routefinding to minimize risks
Formation, significance and distribution of important layers
Self rescue in the event of an avalanche
Case study - Understanding hazard and decisionmaking

LECTURE SESSION THREE

Important warning signs, stability testing, snowpack variability
Lecture conclusion, perspective, philosophy, making effective decisions
The human factor
Risk factors

Final Exam
Gaining practice at decisionmaking
Solving routefinding problems; terrain in a whole new light
Case studies (unusual but very important snowpacks)
(an opportunity to learn from other's mistakes)

FIELD TRIP SESSIONS

The standard (1-day) field trip curriculum for the Avalanche Awareness Course stresses trip planning, safe travel techniques, observation of terrain and snowpack, and self-rescue using avalanche transceivers. Beginning with the current hazard forecast and snowpack history, we form an initial set of stability expectations. We practice safe travel techniques and make many types of snowpack observations as we travel. Students will receive valuable instruction in recognizing safe and hazardous terrain, observing warning signs of instability, and performing a number of snow stability tests: penetration observations, pole tests, various shear tests, basic snow profile analysis (snow pit), rutschblock and compression tests and safe forms of ski testing.
The teaching methodology emphasizes hands on learning: YOU will be extensively practicing these and other techniques. Transceiver drills help to give the student a clear picture of the function and limitations of new technology avalanche transceivers. Multiple burial rescue scenarios provide a glimpse of the pressures and difficulties of dealing with real-life situations. Terrain is evaluated as we travel, however, the emphasis in the field is on developing snowpack observation skills and transceiver searching skills. The entire day provides the student with an opportunity to learn from experienced instructors in an open forum.
missing photo of snowpack layers
* The Avalanche Awareness Course curriculum exceeds minimum curriculum requirements for CAA Recreational Avalanche Course (RAC) guidelines and also exceeds curriculum guidelines as spelled out for courses by the American Avalanche Association (US Level I). For certification, we believe it is in student's interests to complete the Avalanche Awareness course and attend one of the Level I/RAC Field Days offered herein, giving 7.5 hours of classroom and 15-17 hours in the field.

Prerequisites, Preparation, Expectations and Goals

1. The Avalanche Awareness course includes three classroom sessions and one full day in the field. The classroom sessions are the same for Level I/RAC. If there is sufficient demand additional field dates (besides those listed ) are possible. Field student to instructor ratios will range from 6:1 to 9:1 and historically average 8.5:1 for the standard field trip. Check-in (FIRST NIGHT) 15 minutes early. Lectures begin at 6:30 pm at REI and at 7:00 pm at Marmot and Backpacker. Field session assignments will be made on a first-come, first-served basis at the time of registration and will be confirmed at the lectures. Field trip times and locations will be announced at the lectures and posted on the "Message Board" herein. You are responsible for your own transportation.

2. Equipment:                                                                 Avalanche safety gear:
                                                                                       * Single frequency (457 kHz) avalanche missing photo of transceivers

transceivers. It is    recommended that you purchase a transceiver, however about ten demo transceivers from BCA and Ortovox are available for rent on any given day through the instructors of this course. The number of available transceivers may occasionally limit field trip participation on a particular date.
* snow shovel (prefer metal)
* probe poles 2m (not required on this trip)

Winter travel gear:
*Backcountry or telemarking skis with skins; alpine touring skis with skins and some form of binding allowing heel lift for climbing; split snowboards and skins (please pre-fit); or suitable snowshoes and ski poles.
*safety straps
   *poles (for skiers and snowshoers)

Winter clothing: Other essentials:                                                                    *warm boots and socks w/gaitors    *sunglasses and goggles
*long underwear shirt (turtleneck) and                            *sunscreen(SPF 30)
pants (pile or fleece pants)                                               *chapstick (SPF 15)
*pile sweater or jacket                                                     *first-aid kit (especially blisters/cuts)
*parka/raincoat                                                                *pocketknife
*bibs or rain pants                                                           *toilet paper
*warm hat                                                                       *lighter/matches(waterproof)
*gloves or mittens (2 pair better)                                     *flashlight (headlamp)
*garbage bag (to keep things dry in your pack)

Repair gear (depending on travel equipment)                Food and Drink:

* binding parts and/or spare bales *thermos (1-2 qt)
*repair (duct) tape *bag lunch

Snow profile equipment (we will provide but you can buy):

*snow profile card
*8X magnifying loupe
*inclinometer (slope-angle meter)

3. Your capabilities:

*must be reasonably fit
*must be capable of negotiating slope angles of 20/30 degrees safely. For skiers, minimum skiing ability would require that you can effect some method of turning (including the kick-turn) in most any snow conditions and that you can stop and control your speed when necessary. Otherwise, use snowshoes. Field trip locations are generally of intermediate difficulty.

4. Prepare yourself ahead of time:

Students will be provided with a copy of the text that has been written to accompany this course at the beginning of the first lecture. The book, which has been updated in 2006, should be read concurrently with the lectures and allows coverage of lecture material at greater depth than would otherwise be possible in a course of this duration. We also strongly urge that you do some additional reading before the class. There are many books available to read about avalanches. We suggest Tony Daffern's AVALANCHE SAFETY FOR SKIERS AND CLIMBERS and SNOW SENSE by Fredston and Fessler. Also recommended are the VCR presentations AVALANCHE AWARENESS, A QUESTION OF BALANCE and WINNING THE AVALANCHE GAME.

5. Goals of this course:

*understand basic trip planning methodology
*understand safe travel techniques
*be able to distinguish between safe and potentially hazardous terrain
*understand the basics of snow stability analysis
*be able to perform basic risk analysis and employ risk mitigation measures
*know how to perform individual and small group self-rescue.

At the conclusion of this course most students will be in a position to cautiously begin building for themselves their own base of experience for backcountry skiing and/or winter travel. Completion of the Avalanche Awareness Course and one extra field day completes Level I/RAC.

Canadian Avalanche Association Guidelines for RAC courses.

American Avalanche Association Guidelines for Level I.

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LEVEL I/RAC Field Days

missing photo of spring conditions We offer modules of advanced follow-up/refresher field days specializing in either snow stability and terrain evaluation or transceiver and rescue.
Level I and RAC certification in affiliation with the American Avalanche Association and the Canadian Avalanche Association is available to those students who complete the Avalanche Awareness Program and complete either of the advanced optional field days:

LEVEL I/RAC SNOW STABILITY AND TERRAIN EVALUATION field day

    This optional extra field day is a great way to get more practice at terrain evaluation, safe travel and route finding skills, and snowpack observation and testing in greater detail than in our Avalanche Awareness program. After a quick rescue skills check and trip planning review, we will spend the day traveling in avalanche terrain, throughout utilizing safe travel techniques. We will practice various snowpack observational and testing skills including short snow profiles (snowpit), demonstrating concepts like grain types, sizes and significance, hardness, and strength; and utilizing skills like the rutschblock, compression tests and ski tests, among others.
    This field day will be held at one of our locations where the terrain is best for practicing terrain evaluation and route finding skills. You will learn about areas likely to concentrate stress in the snowpack; the effects of wind on drifting patterns, the result of micro-scale topography; and localized differences in layering.
    Avalanche Awareness students who complete this extra field day will have met requirements for CAA Recreational Avalanche Certification (CAA RAC guidelines) and for US Level I avalanche courses (AAA Level I guidelines and will be so certified. This program is offered only to previous participants of our Avalanche Awareness program or equivalent. The cost is $110 if you are providing your own 457 frequency transceiver, $120 if you prefer to rent one of ours. Instruction ratios will range from 4 to 7:1and historically average 5.5:1. Sessions are separated when possible into groups of different abilities to maximize student's benefit. While advanced skiers and snowboarders can join intermediate groups, please don't choose an advanced date unless your skiing or boarding ability is advanced.

Dates offered 2006-7:

January 7 (SUN) *Intermediate skiers, snowboarders, snowshoers
January 13 (SAT)*Advanced Skiers and Snowboarders
January 21 (SUN)*Advanced Skiers and Snowboarders
February 18 (SUN)*Intermediate skiers, snowboarders, snowshoers
February 25 (SUN)*Advanced Skiers and Snowboarders
March 3 (SAT) *Intermediate Skiers, Snowboarders, and Snowshoers
March 4 (SUN) *Advanced Skiers and Snowboarders
March 10 (SAT) *Advanced Skiers and Snowboarders
March 11 (SUN)*Intermediate Skiers, Snowboarders, and Snowshoers
(additions and changes to this schedule are possible depending on weather and demand)

*We will leave it to you to determine whether you are intermediate or advanced, but we prefer snowshoers (without boards) travel with the intermediate group. Skier and boarder courses may, dependent on conditions, put more emphasis on managing ski runs. Skiers and boarders should define themselves based on the efficiency of travel (uphill and downhill) so that group compatibility is maximized.

For sign-up call Cascade Alpine Guides @ 1-800-981-0381

LEVEL I/RAC TRANSCEIVER AND RESCUE SKILLS field day

    This field day allows us to focus on transceiver and rescue skills to address this important area in much greater depth than time limitations allow in our Avalanche Awareness course. LII students almost uniformly find this practice invaluable. We prefer to utilize the BCA beacon basin for efficiency in the practices. This field day is beneficial for anyone wanting to learn the theory behind transceivers and the fine points of avalanche rescue. It is generally acknowledged in the avalanche education field that multiple and deep burial situations are not solvable unless one is both knowledgeable and well-practiced. We will work on multiple and deep burial scenarios and the difficulties encountered when transceivers are buried in various orientations relative to that of the searching transceiver, utilizing manufacturers' and researchers' pinpointing methodology. At your option, you may use our new model transceivers or provide your own.
    We will practice coarse probing and work a complex rescue scenario with victims buried at various depths. For this one day we will join forces with the Level II class, during their rescue skills day. We will spend the remaining 1/2 day on a tour, emphasizing safe travel.
    Avalanche Awareness students who complete this extra field day will have met requirements for CAA Recreational Avalanche Certification (CAA RAC guidelines) and US Level I (AAA Level I guidelines) and will be so certified. This program is offered only to previous participants of our Avalanche Awareness program or equivalent. The cost is $100 if you are providing your own new generation transceiver, $110 if you prefer to rent one of ours. Instruction ratios will range from 5 to 8:1.

Date offered: Feb 17. For sign-up call Cascade Alpine Guides @ 1-800-981-0381

Level II Course *NEW 2004

This course was first offered by Gary Brill in February 2004. It is a comprehensive, 44 hour course and exceeds
Level II curriculum and temporal requirements spelled out by the American Avalanche Association (Minimum 3 day program). Many NW backcountry skiers and winter enthusiasts have become victims when they've visited regions having Continental and Intermountain snowpacks. These recent tragedies and those of many Canadians, including experienced and professionally-led parties, point out the importance of understanding and being able to deal with snowpacks having persistent structural weakness. Recent research, theories, and decisionmaking methods (such as the the Munter Reduction Method) demonstrate that the experience and methodology many backcountry skiers, snowboarders and snowshoers have used successfully in coastal regions may not work on their behalf in atypical snowpacks, either within or outside of the region.

With deference and respect to recent victims, the lecture portion of this Level II course utilizes the highly unusual (and tragic) Canadian snowpack of 2002-2003 as a convenient window through which to study more advanced avalanche topics, especially those related to meteorological effects, snowpack formation and metamorphism, and stability observation and testing. The lecture presentation seeks not to be a study of individual accidents, but rather attempts to understand common factors running through them and how they tie-in to the bigger picture.

The Level II Power Point lecture materials are presented in a uniquely innovative and cogent way that is very effective at integrating key concepts for the maximum benefit of students. The methodology is similar to that used by professional avalanche forecasters in following the seasonal snowpack. Educational topics are woven into this timely framework. Current thinking and rapidly-evolving theories on persistent snowpack weaknesses are presented. These snowpack factors are extremely important since they are present in 80% of all recreational avalanche accidents and most accidents involving professionals. The core (approximately 9 hour) lecture portion of this comprehensive Level II course unifies hazard forecasts, meteorological influences, snowpack evolution, metamorphism and layering, stability observation and testing, and human factors into a single product which is viewed through the temporal window of the 2002-2003 Canadian snowpack history. This presentation methodology allows us to view changing Coastal, Intermountain and Continental snowpacks and compare their differences over time. Of course we cover all of the normal bases as well.

The lectures also make use of effective terrain/route finding slides, many of which combine micro-meteorology with terrain. Ken Kramer uses his expertise as an avalanche meteorologist for the Northwest Avalanche Center to lead an avalanche forecasting exercise using historical NWAC documents from 2000-2001. Throughout the classroom and field sessions, students work in small group decision-making exercises, including planning and executing their own field trips. Group decision-making exercises combining stability expectations, travel considerations, and terrain defining resources all integrate into the field trip planning practicals. Of 20 hours of classroom time, some 10 hours is spent in small group decisionmaking exercises. Providing there are 7 or more students Bryan Scott (PHD Meteorology will present a two hour internet based weather forecasting lecture. Frank Baumann (Ava Blanche), chief investigator for the BC Coroner's Office for commercial accidents, joins us from British Columbia for the weekend of February 10, 11 (see curiculum).

The three field days (22.5-27 hours) put it all together, combining newly learned aspects of avalanche knowledge with students prior skills under the practiced eyes of our experienced backcounty avalanche instructors. Field focus is on decision-making exercises and avalanche skills application. It addresses group dynamics, safe travel techniques, route finding, stability observation and testing, snowpit recording, and rescue dynamics. Student to teacher field ratios range from 3-7:1 (target ratio 5:1) on days one and three and 5-8:1 on the 2nd field day (when the emphasis is on multiple rescue dynamics - larger groups enhance the complexity of this exercise). For those seeking certification, attendance at the first three of the classroom sessions and all three field trips is mandatory. Certified students must meet minimum attendance criteria. Students will be skill-tested in the field and classroom, but scores will not affect certification. The maximum number of students accepted in the Level II course will be 15.

For those who have previously completed Gary Brill's RAC/Level I course and who are not seeking certification, field day two is optional but highly recommended.

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LEVEL II Schedule 2005-2006

Location:    Marmot store, Bellevue

Lectures:    Feb 10, 8:00am-6:00pm
                      Feb 14, 6:30-9:30pm
Feb 21, 6:30pm-9:30pm
                      Feb 28, 6:30pm-9:30pm
                      Mar 7 (internet weather forecasting) 6:30-9:30pm

Field : Feb 11, 17 (optional rescue) and Feb 24

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LEVEL II CURRICULUM

LECTURE ONE Saturday, February 10, 8:00 am-6:00 pm
Check-in and orientation 8:00-8:15 am (please come early if you've not yet registered)
Core lecture (Gary Brill) 8:15-11:15 am

    Core lecture
    Avalanche statistics
Avalanche dynamics
Snowpack types
Hazard forecast levels and background
Meteorological effects, snowpack metamorphism and layering
Snow stability factors
Stability observation, testing, and variability
Observation guidelines in accordance with Snow, Weather and Avalanches:
    Observational Guidelines in the United States, 2004

Case study highlighting“Human factors” 11:15 am-12:00 pm

Lunch 12:00-12:45 pm

Trends and patterns in accidents, British Columbia (Frank Baumann - chief investigator, commercial accidents for BC Coroner's Office) 12:45-2:15 pm
Route-finding exercises 2:15-4:00 pm (Gary Brill & Frank Baumann)
Core lecture (Gary Brill) 4:00 pm-5:15 pm
Trip planning exercise: 5:15-6:00 pm

FIELD TRIP ONE Sunday, February 11, full day, 6:00 am-6:15 pm

Group dynamics, safe travel techniques, route finding, stability observation and testing.

LECTURE TWO Wednesday, February 14, 6:30-9:30 pm

Core lecture (Gary Brill) 6:00 pm-8:45 pm
Trip planning exercise: 8:45-9:30 pm

* FIELD TRIP TWO Saturday, February 17, full day, 6:00 am-6:15 pm
Rescue dynamics, multiple and deep burials, Location: BCA Beacon Basin
Snowpit observation and recording methods - 1/2 day tour

* This field day is strongly recommended but optional if not seeking certification.

LECTURE THREE Wednesday, February 21, 6:30-9:30 pm

Avalanche forecasting presentation and exercise (Ken Kramer, NWAC): 6:30-8:45 pm

Trip planning exercise: 8:45-9:30pm

FIELD TRIP THREE Saturday, February 24, full day, 6:00 am-6:15 pm

Group dynamics, safe travel techniques, route finding, stability observation, recording and testing.

LECTURE FOUR Wednesday, February 28, 6:30-8:30pm

Course conclusion, Perspective (Gary Brill): 6:30-7:00 pm
Open forum 7:00-7:45 pm
Course examination 7:45-8:15 pm
Course critique 8:15-8:30 pm

INTERNET WEATHER FORECASTING LECTURE Wednesday, March 7, 6:30-8:30pm

*Meteorology presentation (Bryan Scott): 6:30-8:30 pm
*If there are 7 or more students.

*The LEVEL II curriculum meets or exceeds curriculum and temporal requirements for
US Level II courses as spelled out by the American Avalanche Association. Certification is available for students who meet minimum performance criteria. Professional Member AAA.

LEVEL II COURSE Prerequisites, Preparation, Expectations and Goals

1. This course is open only to participants who have succesfully completed Level I or RAC courses. Students who have completed Gary Brill's two-day Avalanche Awareness Course are also qualified. Students are responsible for their own transportation. Student to instructor ratios will range from 3:1 to 7:1 and average about 5:1 (intentionally varied on different field trips).
2. Equipment requirements in the field are similar to those of the Level I course but should include an inclinometer (slope-angle meter), a probe, snow saw, and snow profile kit consisting of a snow profile card, an 8x loupe, and a folding ruler. Those seeking certification should also purchase a book for recording snow profiles and observations and carry a pencil. Snow saws, snow profile kits, inclinometers, and recording books are available at Marmot Mountain Works.
3. You should be reasonably fit. Expect that the first and third field trips may cover several miles of terrain and climb and descend as much as 3000 vertical feet.
4. You must be capable of negotiating slope angles of 35/43 degrees degrees safely. For skiers and snowboarders minimum downhill ability would require that you are a strong intermediate or advanced skier/snowboarder capable of safely negotiating the above slope angles in most any snow conditions. Snowshoes are acceptable but groups may be split between snowshoers and skiers at the discretion of the instructors. Field trip locations may be of advanced difficulty.
5. Goals of this course: Students should understand trip planning methodology and small group management, be able to distinguish between safe and potentially hazardous terrain, be effective at route finding, understand the key concepts of snow stability analysis, be able to perform snow profiles and a number of shear and stability tests, be capable of recording pertinent information according to US standards, and be proficient at performing small group single and multiple rescue, including deep burial. AAA guidelines for Level II.
6. Students will be required to read from STAYING ALIVE IN AVALANCHE TERRAIN by Bruce Tremper. Reading assignments will be made before and during the course and be displayed on the "Message Board" at the bottom of this web page. Additional homework exercises will be assigned for students seeking certification. The following USGS maps may be used in classroom field trip planning exercises and on field trips one and three: 7-1/2' Labyrinth Mtn. and Blewett Pass. It will be necessary for at least one student per each group of five to have the appropriate map. Field location choices will be based on conditions.

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FREE AVALANCHE CLINICS: We offer a number of free avalanche awareness lectures. There are two separate formats of free clinics offered: Introductory and Advanced.

The introductory lecture is appropriate for novices and those with an intermediate amount of avalanche knowledge. Trip planning, terrain definitions, important snowpack factors, basic avalanche dynamics and risks are among the topics covered. These lectures also present an opportunity for those considering taking a complete course to see if our avalanche programs might be of interest in the future. (sign-up necessary at Marmot and Backpacker only). The clinics last about 1:35.

FREE INTRODUCTORY AVALANCE AWARENESS LECTURE

DATES OFFERED 2006-2007:

Nov 7, 7:00pm, South Center REI
Nov 8, 7:00pm, Redmond REI
Nov 14, 7:00pm, Marmot Mountain - Bellevue
Nov 16, 7:00pm, Seattle REI
Nov 28, 7:00pm, Backpacker Supply - Tacoma
Nov 29, 7:00pm, Alderwood REI
Jan 10, 7:00pm, Seattle REI
Jan 17, 7:00pm, Tacoma REI                                    Instructor Don Langlois will be presenting this clinic
          , 7:30pm, UPS outdoor program
          , 7:00pm, Second Ascent
          , 7:30pm, Feathered Friends
          , U of W outdoor club, for information contact jjantz@u.washington.edu
FREE ADVANCED LECTURE: "DEALING WITH BAD LAYERS - Learning from Canada 2002-2003"

This is a free Power Point presentation that parallels the new Level II avalanche course emphasizing "Persistent Snowpack Weakness" that has been created by Gary Brill. The focus of both of the new programs is not so much on detailing each accident but rather on analyzing common threads that run through the accidents. These programs utilize an historical look back at the highly unusual snowpack in Canada last winter as a vehicle for presentation of relevant materials and current thinking and theories on persistent snowpack weaknesses, a key factor in as many as 80% of recreational avalanche accidents. This presentation will be most effective for individuals who already have basic avalanche knowledge. This program lasts about 1:45.

DATES OFFERED 2006-2007:

, 7:00pm, Second Ascent
Dec 5, 7:00pm, Marmot
, 7:30pm, Feathered Friends

ABOUT THE AVALANCHE COURSES

Commonly Asked Questions

Why should I choose Gary's course over another?

    There are four factors that define qualitatively a course’s effectiveness: 1) The experience of the instructors in terms of avalanche knowledge, regional terrain and snowpack familiarity, 2) the professional commitment of the instructors in keeping abreast of current teaching standards and updating skills, 3) teaching experience and familiarity with presented materials, and 4) organizational and presentation skills. Although it may be hard to understand at first glance, it is often not the material presented but how it is presented that is most important in getting the message across to students. Human errors in judgement and skill application are significant factors in most avalanche accidents. In the final measure a course is effective if students learn to modify their behavior and as a consequence avoid becoming avalanche victims. A balanced perspective and an effective presentation to get that perspective accross to students is a strong suit of Gary’s courses. It comes from a long term commitment to avalanche education, active and ongoing field experience, and a corresponding depth of knowledge of regional terrain and snowpack combined with technical expertise. Each year, Gary and co-instructors Jerry Casson, and Don Langlois individually review some 100 snow pits with students. Field locations are chosen to maximize the teaching value for the students' benefit.
    The arrangement of the schedule of our basic Avalanche Awareness & RAC/Level I classes is convenient for locals with busy lives. Field trip flexibility provides the same benefit. The lecture and field trip schedule gives students sufficient time to read, review, and be prepared for field trips or subsequent lectures. Student feedback tells us that when a course is compressed into a narrow time frame most students feel overloaded with information, lessening the effectiveness and depth of understanding. We also find that most students like to have access to instructors after field sessions to better refine their understanding. Most of our Avalanche Awareness field trips are scheduled before the final lecture.
    Another advantage lies in the flexible scheduling for Level I/RAC Field Trips to complete Level I/RAC. Not only can these extra field days be taken on a very flexible schedule, but we make our best effort to separate participants by ability level for the student's benefit. The extra field days can even be taken as separate modules for the purpose of review for previous students. We feel this flexibility is a great advantage to students and allows the course to be affordable, while still best fitting the needs of students. (The field trips are the costliest part of the course).
    All of the materials presented in the lectures and the text book utilized in the Avalanche Awareness & Level I/RAC courses were created by Gary Brill, and 95% of the photos in the Power Point lectures were taken by him, so his familiarity of presented materials is complete. This may not be the case in some competing courses, where course materials are developed by a third party (Avalanche course in a box). The ongoing effort to continually improve and update this course resulted in the change to digital format in 2002, this effort alone requiring some 1100 hours revising and improving the original slide format for the RAC/Level I course. The Level II course required a similar commitment in 2004. The balance and quality of the current lectures reflects this effort.
    Powerful and effective case studies are an integral part of the lectures (and in the accompanying text for the Avalanche Awareness & Level I/RAC course). These case studies bring home in no uncertain way key points about snowpacks and decision-making dynamics.
    Gary’s passion for backcountry skiing and alpine climbing over the past 35 years has given him a well-balanced understanding of what is required for longevity in these sports. He brings experience, perspective, and enthusiasm to the Avalanche Awareness & Level I/RAC and Level II courses.

Who are the instructors?

Gary Brill

The courses' originator, Gary Brill, is an avid and active backcountry skier and alpine climber. He honed his skiing skills as a former downhill skier and heli-guide but for the past 25 years has skied almost exclusively in the backcountry. missing photo of weak layer Gary has climbed and skied extensively throughout western North America and has remained an active mountain guide since 1980. He received formal training by successfully passing both summer and winter assistant guide training with the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides in 1981. His avalanche training includes British Columbia Institute of Technology Level I and II avalanche courses for ski guides in 1981 and 1982. (BCIT courses were predecessors of Canadian Avalanche Center's programs and have equivalent curriculum to American Avalanche Association level II and III courses). He also has attended several seminars, most recently the 2000, 2002, and 2004 ISSW conferences. Gary is a Professional Member of the American Avalanche Association and an Affiliate of the Canadian Avalanche Association. He is WFR certified. A northwest native and lifelong resident, Gary’s 35 years of backcountry skiing and considerable knowledge of the terrain, micro-climatology and snowpack of the northwest’s mountains is reflected in the continual evolution of these courses, presented since 1985.

Jerry Casson

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Jerry Casson

Gary is pleased to welcome the return of Jerry Casson as co-instructor in the field, returning to teach for his 7th year. Jerry successfully completed the Canadian Avalanche Association Level I course for ski guides (equivalent to US level II) in 2000 and subsequently attended the 2000, 2002, and 2004 ISSW conferences. He served his apprenticeship with Gary Brill and with regional avalanche forecasters Ken Kramer and Garth Ferber from the Northwest Avalanche Center (in Gary's courses). Jerry is an Affiliate of the Canadian Avalanche Association and a member of the American Avalanche Association. He is WFR certified. Jerry is also an active backcountry skier and alpine climber. Jerry completed his Bachelor's degree in Atmospheric Sciences in spring of 2004 and is currently back at school, working on a Master's degree in meteorology (snowpack related), after working as an intern weather and avalanche forecaster with the Northwest Avalanche Center (NWAC) in 2004-5.

Don_Langlois

Don Langlois

Don Langlois returns for his third season as one of our experienced avalanche instructors. Don has been an outdoorsman since childhood. He has worked as a guide in skiing, sea kayaking, rafting, mountaineering and canoeing and as an Outward Bound instructor, and brings with him superior teaching skills. In 1977, Don began his ongoing relationship with snowy mountains. Working as winter Park Ranger at Mount Rainier National Park, he gained extensive experience in winter and ski mountaineering. His duties included first aid, search and rescue, backcountry ski patrol, avalanche hazard evaluation and forecasting. Don trained with well-known avalanche experts William Hotchkiss of the National Ski Patrol and Peter Lev, founder of the American Avalanche Institute. More recently, Don trained as Level 1 ski instructor with the PSIA, Level 1 ski guide with the Canadian Ski Guide Association, hiking guide with the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides, and avalanche forecaster Level 2 with the Canadian Avalanche Association in January of 2005. He has WFR certification.
The son of a submarine captain, he worked as a professional mariner, and is a licensed officer in the United States Merchant Marine.

Garth Ferber and Ken Kramer, veteran Northwest Avalanche Center forecasters will join us on a few outings.

Frank Baumann (Ava Blanche), chief investigator for the BC Coroner's Office on commercial accidents joins us on February 11th and 12th in our LII course. Frank initiated recreational avalanche courses in British Columbia in the late 1960's.

Who are the courses designed for?

These avalanche courses are most useful for backcountry recreationalists and aspiring guides, including skiers, snowboarders, snowshoers, and climbers (who frequent winter and spring mountain terrain). The Avalanche Awareness & Level I/RAC courses are finely tuned to the maritime and intermountain meteorology and snowpacks most common in the Cascade and Olympic ranges - since field trips will study those snowpacks and students are most likely to visit these areas. Lecture materials and case studies provide a bridge to the study of dangerous weak layers; only occasionally found in this region, but more common in inland areas. The new Level II course addresses, with emphasis, these weak layers and the rapidly evolving body of knowledge concerning such layering. To attend the Level II course, students must have completed a basic Level I or RAC course or Gary Brill's Avalanche Awareness Course.

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How can I sign-up?

First check the schedule listed on this web site and choose the course and field day that works best for you. Specify whether you would like to use one of our rental transceivers. You may sign-up for the Avalanche Awareness course at either the appropriate stores (Marmot, REI Seattle or REI Redmond), or Backpacker's Supply), or through Cascade Alpine Guides @ 1-800-981-0381.

Sign-up for the Level I Field Days (to complete Level I or as a personal review) is only through Cascade Alpine Guides, 1-800-981-0381.

Sign up for the new Level II course is through Marmot Mountain Works (425)453-1515 and Cascade Alpine Guides @ 1-800-981-0381.

Because of our flexibility we can usually work with students who have conflicts on a particular date. For requests of this nature contact Gary Brill at: info@AvalancheSafety.org

Where are the lectures held?

In the Avalanche Awareness & Level I/RAC course the lecture series take place at local outdoor stores, like REI, Marmot, and Backpacker Supply located in downtown Seattle, Redmond, Bellevue, and Tacoma. This should facilitate finding a course location near the workplace or the home.

The lecture location for the Level II course is at Marmot Mountain Works in Bellevue.

Where are the field trips held?

Although we have previously used Blewett Pass, Steven's Pass, White Pass or Mt. Baker, depending on weather and snow conditions, with the change to Cascade Alpine Guides in 2006, we are now using only Stevens Pass and Blewett Pass. Blewett Pass usually becomes a viable option after about January 15, and offers a uniquely interesting snowpack in the Cascades. Flexibility is a real advantage as students rarely find themselves out in unusually bad conditions, such as rain, and usually find interesting snowpack conditions. We normally vary our field trip locations to take advantage of local meteorology. Students must provide their own transportation.

What if I don't live in this area?

Unfortunately the Avalanche Awareness & Level I/RAC course takes place over a two to three week period. So unless commuting to one of the lecture locations is practical, a complete course would be difficult for those beyond commuting range.
The new Level II course is open to those who have previously completed a Level I course (Or our Avalanche Awareness Course). The Level II course (6 days over a fourteen day period) and Level I/RAC Field Days (1 day) would be feasible for out-of-towners with Level I or RAC avalanche training.
missing photo of terrain trap
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What if I'm a beginner?

Because Avalanche Awareness field trips average one mile one way and about 800 vertical feet, most beginners should be fit and skilled enough to accomplish comfortably the necessary travel to complete the field part of the Avalanche Awareness course. The Level I/RAC Field Days are separated into intermediate and advanced ability levels for the benefit of all students. Students with advanced skiing and snowboarding skills who sign-up for an advanced ability field trip section should expect longer field trips. It should be emphasized that beginner skiers would be much better off on snowshoes than skis. Even the transceiver practice will be difficult for beginner skiers but not beginner snowshoers (if the snowshoes are properly fitted).

Level II course requirements are spelled out in the section on prerequisites:
Preparation, Expectations and Goals

For Avalanche Awareness & Level I/RAC see also the next topic, course structure.

Tell me more about the course structures.

AVALANCHE AWARENESS AND LEVEL I

    In the Avalanche Awareness avalanche course there are three basic components: a 500 image, 3-lecture Power Point series in which 70% of the images are photographic rather than text, a comprehensive and very informative 104 page course book written to accompany and complement the course, and a field day that stresses safe travel techniques, terrain, snowpack observation and testing, and the effective use of new generation avalanche transceivers. To complete certification at Level I/RAC, students may take one of the Level I/RAC Field Days at any time they are scheduled.
    The purpose of the lectures is to give the student a foundation of general knowledge about avalanches, safe travel procedures, and skills to help one avoid them. Effective route finding slides show a wide variety terrain (much more than can be covered in one or even several field days). Gary Brill is a skilled outdoor photographer who has been published numerous times. The photographic images are of high quality and very illustrative. Many use the power of imagery to emphasize, for instance, important meteorological points, significant snowpack layers; and especially terrain and route finding. Their high quality helps students to stay focused during lectures. Challenging case studies point out (with no uncertainty) the complexity and variability of the mountain snowpack, and the necessity of maintaining perspective in applying good judgement when making decisions.
    By design, the course text is written at a higher level of complexity than materials presented in the lectures, incorporating selected level II topics. Some relevant particulars of the Maritime snowpack will not even be found in any other published text (they are the subject of current research). The more advanced topics are effectively partitioned, most introduced through case studies. The duality of the text structure and its integration with the lectures allows classroom materials to be presented in such a way that beginners aren't overwhelmed; while at the same time, those Avalanche Awareness & Level I/RAC students who already have a reasonable base of avalanche knowledge can still be challenged. The integration of text and lectures has several other benefits to students. It gives them the opportunity to easily review, at their leisure, information presented in the lectures for better understanding. Finally, for those at either end of the spectrum, the book can serve to refresh the memory; giving a more lasting benefit.
    The basic Avalanche Awareness field trip is a very busy day. To allow sufficient time for study and practice, travel time is minimized. In the basic course terrain is largely presented in the lectures. This is realistic because it is difficult to travel through a lot of terrain in a single field day. And it would be time prohibitive to do so in one day given that most students want significant instruction and practice in the use of transceivers and snowpack evaluation methods, topics that cannot be adequately presented in lectures.
    Unlike most Level I courses, you will notice in our curriculum that multiple burial rescues are introduced. It is the instructor’s belief that it is important to introduce multiple burial rescue scenarios for two reasons; 1) that many recreationalists travel in a group so that more than one could be buried, and 2) that many people fail to adequately practice the difficult problems of multiple rescue, this class presenting perhaps the best opportunity to do so. Students will pick up numerous tips to make their search techniques more effective. At the end of the day, we want students to know how to effectively use avalanche transceivers, but hope they will realize that more practice is necessary, especially in complex, multiple burials. We also want students to realize a transceiver is a device of last resort, regarding safety.
    The remainder of the field day is utilized in observing the snowpack and in testing its stability in as many ways as are practical on the given day. This would include various methods of pole testing, shear and stability testing, including shovel testing, compression tests, and rutschblocks among others.
    Since travel is difficult with larger groups or with people of different abilities and equipment, and because it is impractical to cover much diverse terrain on such a busy day, it is easy to see why terrain is covered in the lecture and emphasized in the extra field days. For more work on terrain evaluation see our Level I/RAC Snow Stability and Terrain Evaluation Field Day.

LEVEL II

The Level II course assumes a basic level of avalanche knowledge for participants. It is required that students have completed our Avalanche Awareness or someone else's Level I or RAC course. To get the most out of the course, students should read the assigned reading from the Tremper book (to be posted on the Message board well before the class) and other texts, including those listed in the Preparation sections of this website for both Avalanche Awareness & Level I/RAC and Level II. The Level II course differs from the Avalanche Awareness & RAC/Level I course not only in the complexity of subject manner and course length, but also on the demands it places on the student. There is a great deal more travel, significant emphasis on small group decision making, and on the cognizance of and dealing with problematic snowpacks - the ultimate goal being longevity. The entire (substantial) lecture part of the course is presented as an interactive forum and unifies meteorological influences, hazard forecasts, snowpack metamorphism, layering, stability observation and testing, route finding considerations, and human factors into a single product which is viewed through the temporal window of the 2002-2003 Canadian snowpack. For more information see Level II Course, Level II Course Curriculum, and Creating the new Level II course.

Students comments about the Level I/RAC course

" Very enjoyable, very educational. For the first time I feel like I'm finally starting to understand avalanche safety & feel capable to start making forays into the backcountry."

" Gary is obviously very knowledgeable in the area of snowpack analysis and backcountry winter travel. ...an excellent job of presenting a good overview and establishing a good base of knowledge without bogging the students down with fine details. The format and organization of the presentation is ...very good."

"Enjoyed the field trip with Jerry very much. He seemed very much in the know regarding snowpack analysis and backcountry winter travel. ...a great job of sharing his knowledge with us. Great personality for this type of instruction..."

"Excellent pictures/visual aids - very helpful to" [the] "learning process."

Students comments about the Level II course

" I really liked the way you worked into the more detailed material as part of the overall study of the season instead of following the progressions that are in the avalanche books."

" The presentation is good. It tells a story and provided a great means to present the information."

"I really enjoyed ... learning about the avalanche forecast center. It has a lot of good information but is meaningless to the layman. In otherwords, your class taught me how to understand and use it. Thanks!!!"

"Great pictures kept the presentations visually compelling. ...I found the things gone wrong"[case studies] "great".

"... the field trips were great, I really learned a lot."

Creating the new Level II course

I hadn't really intended to create a new Level II course because I knew if I was to do so, I wanted it to be a good one and realized how much work it would entail. In addition, there were many other Level II courses out there for professionals such as the CAA sponsored CAATS courses. I instead strived to make my Avalanche Awareness & Level I/RAC course as good as I could make it. During the winter of 2002-2003, as the much outside the norm Canadian snowpack developed, I followed its evolution, at first so that I could introduce pertinent topics in my Avalanche Awareness & Level I/RAC courses. As I continued to follow the snowpack during the course of winter, 2003, I became increasingly fascinated with the snowpack's complexity. There was an amazing wealth and diversity of information presented in the CAA bulletins and profiles during that highly unusual winter.
At the same time I was following this fascinating and infinitely complex snowpack, I became aware, at first by chance, of some of the particulars of accidents that had occurred in Canada in 2002-3; many with unfortunate consequences. There were questions I had about these accidents, and about the decision-making processes that were key links in the chain of events that led to them. Some of this information was available in press releases, avalanche bulletins, and official reports. In several cases I contacted surviving party members, usually after a party member initially contacted me. Many were friends or friends of friends. Several members of parties involved in various avalanche accidents were interested in getting their stories out, not only as part of the grieving and recovery processes; but also, so that others could learn from these unfortunate events. Tragedy, as final and sad as it is, opened a door for information sharing.
I have long recognized from my own experience that one of the keys to longevity in backcountry skiing is being vigilant about certain snowpack weaknesses; nearly all of my close calls in the past twenty-five years have involved these same layers. Accordingly, my Avalanche Awareness & RAC/Level I course has for many years emphasized problematic snowpacks through the use of multiple case studies in both the lectures and my text. The year 2002-3's tragic accidents and the recent focus of avalanche research also point out the importance of these persistent weak layers. Backcountry recreationalists, especially from this region (Coastal snowpack), need this information. Too many lives have been lost when locals have been surprised by unfamiliar snowpacks either here, or when visiting another region. I began to see an opportunity to present Level II information in a brand new way, one that would bring much of the gamut of avalanche knowledge, resources, perspective, and skills together in a concise and user-friendly manner. I went back to create coherent charts from the 2002-3 Canadian snowpack, contacted the CAC for necessary back documents, and saved and edited key educational parts of the various CAC bulletins. Next, I reviewed some 2500 pages of resource documents to be able to state concisely, in one or two images, the particulars of pertinent published studies. At the time, I saw this method of presentation as having terrific potential for great merit, educationally, but was also wondering if the gamble would pay off. The complexity of constructing materials using this unusual but insightful methodology was quite overwhelming. Could I put together a cohesive course in this manner? I was concerned that all this effort could go for naught.
After many hours of work, I am more than pleased with the educational value for this new product. Feedback has been very positive. The educational opportunity presented by the unusual Canadian snowpack of 2002-2003 was too valuable to pass up.

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What about certification?

Certification has yet to save any lives. The goal of recreational avalanche students should be to obtain a base of knowledge and, even more, to develop a realistic perspective that enables the student to modify his or her behavior so that it becomes practice to observe time-honored planning and traveling methods; techniques that help one to avoid situations (risks) in which potentially dangerous avalanches are possible. To accomplish this it is necessary to be aware of potential snowpack weak layers, utilize the afore-mentioned safe travel techniques, and route-find wisely. It is important to keep the goals of certification in perspective: for professionals certification is necessary to satisfy organizational, insurance and bureaucratic requirements; and, it is useful in assuring that students who are taking more advanced classes should be prepared for those classes. It is the ability to use the knowledge to make effective decisions not certification that is valuable to the recreationalist. And it is both knowledge and perspective that should be the student's greatest goals.
LEVEL I/RAC We offer a certification program as an affiliate of the Canadian Avalanche Association and as members of the American Avalanche Association. While our Avalanche Awareness program is formatted as a Recreational Avalanche Class (hence RAC) and exceeds curriculum requirements according to published guidelines of both the CAA (for RAC courses) and those of the American Avalanche Association ( for US Level I courses), our Avbalanche Awareness course is at the lower end of suggested temporal requirements of the CAA, 7.5 lecture hours and 7.5 to 8.5 hours of field instruction, depending on the time of year (the standard is 16 hours total). The corresponding US organization, the American Avalanche Association, suggests a full 3-day Level I course. We feel that we have a moral obligation to be sure that students seeking certification be more than qualified. For that reason, we require those who want certification at Level I and RAC complete our Avalanche Awareness program and one of our Level I/RAC field days. Additional field instruction and experience can only be beneficial to the student. On completing these requirements, the Level I/RAC student will have had between 22.5 and 25.5 hours of instruction, two-thirds of which is in the field. Previous attendees of our Avalanche Awareness course who have completed the basic course and seek certification in our Level II will have met curiculum and temporal requirements for both Level I and Level II (Attending an Optional Advanced Field Day is not mandatory as a prerequisite).
LEVEL II As a Professional Member of the American Avalanche Association (AAA), Gary Brill certifies that the new Level II course (44 hours - 24 field hours) meets or exceeds curriculum and temporal requirements spelled out by the AAA for Level II courses. Level II students will be issued a completion certificate providing they meet attendance standards. Students will be tested and evaluated but such scores will not affect their certification.

Northwest Avalanche Center Friends of the Avalanche Center

I hope you enjoy these courses,

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Message Board (Courses begin in December)

Weather for this weekend, Sunday, 12th: Partly cloudy, possible snow showers or flurries, temps upper 20's to 30's.

AA/LI first field trip date: All field first field trip dates are complete for the year
Openings for this date: 0 spaces available.

Field trip date: Mar 12th (Mixed Group Additional Field Day) Meet at Bellevue Way P&R 1/2 mile north of Interstate 90 on Bellevue Way (just west of I-405) at 6:15 am sharp. The destination is Blewett Pass with a likely return near 6:00 pm. If you choose to meet instead, you must e-mail me for confirmation and driving instructions by 7:00pm Friday.
Openings for this date: open.

Level II field trip: - Scheduled location and meeting time: Meet at Bellevue Way P&R 1/2 mile north of Interstate 90 on Bellevue Way (just west of I-405) at 6:15 am sharp. The destination is ? Pass with a likely return near 6:30 pm. Bring your snow study equipment and materials, and a USGS ? map.

Reading assignment for Level II course Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain by Bruce Tremper, before the first lecture, read pages: 15-17, 20-25 "slabs", 30-33, 34-53, 69-71, 75-79 "Aspect with respect to sun,"96-101 "Windspeed", 111-140, 141-142, 204-207, 207-212 (where relevant), 215-223, & 252-269 (for case study).

Before the 2nd field trip read: pages 142-161, 161-165, & 172-186.

For more information or custom programs contact:

e-mail: Contact Gary Brill: info@AvalancheSafety.org

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Links to Other Resource Pages

American Avalanche Association Canadian Avalanche Center

1. Internet based Mountain Weather Forecasting Class

Mountain weather forecasts are a critical component of avalanche forecasting. Bryan Scott (PhD in Meteorology) has created a unique course, comprising 2-2 hour lectures valuable to both winter and summer enthusiasts.

2. WFA and WFR First-aid and First-responder Classes

Wilderness First-aid and Wilderness First-responder Classes teach skills valuable to all mountain travelers. Rich Stearns of Overlake School in Redmond is a certified WFA and WFR instructor who teaches local courses. Gary Brill obtained his WFR certification at Overlake.

3. Telemarktips/Avalanche Safety Thread:

The Avalanche Safety Threads are a great source of information for both experienced and inexperienced winter enthusiasts.